Pesticide mobility: determination by soil thin-layer chromatography

Immobilized artificial membrane-chromatographic and computational descriptors in studies of soil-water partition of environmentally relevant compounds

Chromatographic retention factor log k_IAM obtained from immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) HPLC with buffered, aqueous mobile phases and calculated molecular descriptors (molecular weight - log M_W; molar volume - V_M; polar surface area - PSA; total count of nitrogen and oxygen atoms -(N + O); count of freely rotable bonds - FRB; H-bond donor count - HD; H-bond acceptor count - HA; energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital - E_HOMO; energy of the lowest unoccupied orbital - E_LUMO; dipole moment - DM; polarizability - α) obtained for a group of 175 structurally unrelated compounds were tested in order to generate useful models of solutes' soil-water partition coefficient normalized to organic carbon log K_oc. It was established that log k_IAM obtained in the conditions described in this study is not sufficient as a sole predictor of the soil-water partition coefficient. Simple, potentially useful models based on log k_IAM and a selection of readily available, calculated descriptors and accounting for over 88% of total variability were generated using multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural networks (ANN). The models proposed in the study were tested on a group of 50 compounds with known experimental log K_oc values by plotting the calculated vs. experimental values. There is a good close similarity between the calculated and experimental data for both MLR and ANN models for compounds from different chemical families (R² ≥ 0.80, n = 50) which proves the models' reliability.

Availability of Metribuzin-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles in Different Soil Systems: An Important Study on the Development of Safe Nanoherbicides

Nanoformulations have been used to improve the delivery of fertilizers, pesticides, and growth regulators, with a focus on more sustainable agriculture. Nanoherbicide research has focused on efficiency gains through targeted delivery and environmental risk reduction. However, research on the behavior and safety of the application of these formulations in cropping systems is still limited. Organic matter contained in cropping systems can change the dynamics of herbicide−soil interactions in the presence of nanoformulations. The aim of this study was to use classical protocols from regulatory studies to understand the retention and mobility dynamics of a metribuzin nanoformulation, compared to a conventional formulation. We used different soil systems and soil with added fresh organic material. The batch method was used for sorption−desorption studies and soil thin layer chromatography for mobility studies, both by radiometric techniques. Sorption parameters for both formulations showed that retention is a reversible process in all soil systems (H~1.0). In deep soil with added fresh organic material, nanoformulation was more sorbed (14.61 ± 1.41%) than commercial formulation (9.72 ± 1.81%) (p < 0.05). However, even with the presence of straw as a physical barrier, metribuzin in nano and conventional formulations was mobile in the soil, indicating that the straw can act as a barrier to reduce herbicide mobility but is not impeditive to herbicide availability in the soil. Our results suggest that environmental safety depends on organic material maintenance in the soil system. The availability can be essential for weed control, associated with nanoformulation efficiency, in relation to the conventional formulation.

Adsorption-desorption and transport behavior of pydiflumetofen in eight different types of soil

Pydiflumetofen, a fungicide of the class of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors, can disrupt energy metabolism by inhibiting the synthesis of succinate dehydrogenase, thus effectively inhibiting pathogenic fungal growth and related yield losses.We studied the adsorption and desorption behaviors and interaction mechanisms of pydiflumetofen in eight different arable soils by the infrared spectroscopy and batch equilibrium method. Pydiflumetofen adsorption and desorption property of soils conformed with the Freundlich isotherm model and the values for the adsorption capacity KF-ads were in the range of 14.592-102.610. The adsorption constants (KF-ads) exhibited a significantly positive and linear correlation (p < 0.1) with soil organic matter and organic carbon content. Both high and low temperatures weakened the pydiflumetofen sorption capacity of the soil. In addition, the initial pH of the solution, its ionic strength, and the addition of exogenous biochar, humic acid, and different types of surfactants at different concentrations also affected the sorption property of the soil. Pydiflumetofen is weakly mobile and leachable in most soils, and, poses some threat to surface soil and water organisms, but does not contaminate groundwater.

Adsorption-Desorption and Migration Behaviors of Oxaziclomefone in Different Agricultural Soils in China

Oxaziclomefone is an organic heterocyclic herbicide which has been widely used in rice fields. The aim of this paper is to investigate the adsorption-desorption and migration of oxaziclomefone in four Chinese agricultural soils. All the four soils show high adsorption capacity for oxaziclomefone, with similar adsorption rates at 84.48%-96.70%. Four adsorption kinetic models were used to fit the adsorption kinetic characteristics and the elovich model was the best, indicating that chemical processes were involved in adsorption. For the isothermal adsorption behavior of oxaziclomefone, the Freundlich model shows the best, indicating that the adsorption sites for oxaziclomefone in soil were heterogeneous. The retention factor in the soil thin-layer plates ranges from 0.083 to 0.250 and the retention factor 0-10 cm layer of the soil column was > 50, indicating that the herbicide was not easily migration from all four soils. Because oxaziclomefone has low mobility in different soils and is not easily leached, it poses a low potential threat of contaminating surface water and groundwater.

Degradation, adsorption and leaching of phenazine-1-carboxamide in agricultural soils

Phenazines, a large group of nitrogen-containing heterocycles with promising bioactivities, can be widely used as medicines and pesticides. But phenazines also generate toxicity risks due to their non-selective DNA binding. The environmental fate of phenazines in soils is the key to assess their risks; however, hitherto, there have been very few related studies. Therefore in the present study, the degradation, adsorption and leaching behaviors of a typical natural phenazine-phenazine-1-carboxamide (PCN) in agricultural soils from three representative places in China with different physicochemical properties were, for the first time, systematically studied in laboratory simulation experiments. Our results indicated that the degradation of PCN in all the tested soils followed the first order kinetics, with half-lives ranging from 14.4 to 57.8 d under different conditions. Soil anaerobic microorganisms, organic matter content and pH conditions are important factors that regulating PCN degradation. The adsorption data of PCN were found to be well fitted using the Freundlich model, with the r² values above 0.978. Freundlich adsorption coefficient K_f of PCN ranged from 5.75 to 12.8 [(mg/kg)/(mg/L)^1/n] in soils. The retention factor R_f values ranged from 0.0833 to 0.354, which means that the mobility of PCN in the three types of soil is between immobile to moderately mobile. Our results demonstrate that PCN is easily degraded, has high adsorption affinity and low mobility in high organic matter content and clay soils, thus resulting in lower risks of contamination to groundwater systems. In contrast, it degraded slowly, has low adsorption affinity and moderately mobile in soils with low organic matter and clay content, therefore it has higher polluting potential to groundwater systems. Overall, these findings provide useful insights into the future evaluation of environmental as well as health risks of PCN.

Competitive Adsorption and Mobility of Propiconazole and Difenoconazole on Five Different Soils

Propiconazole (PPC) and difenoconazole (DFC) are often combined for field applications. The resulted co-exsistence of PPC and DFC may have an effect on the fate of their individuals in soil. In this study, adsorption, desorption and leaching of PPC and DFC alone and their combinations were investigated in five different soils. Adsorption of PPC and DFC was significantly different on each soil with the Freundlich adsorption coefficients of 2.86-28.69 and 14.86-98.93 negatively correlated with soil pH, respectively. In addition, adsorption of PPC and DFC was declined by 27.12-37.59% and 17.28-25.35% with the presence of coexisting DFC and PPC, respectively. Mobility of PPC and DFC in tested soils was enlarged in coexisting system. The results indicate that adsorption, desorption and mobility of PPC and DFC were mainly affected by soil pH, and these behaviors of individual PPC and DFC were obviously altered by their co-existence.

A review of the impact of wastewater on the fate of pesticides in soils: Effect of some soil and solution properties

Reuse of wastewater (WW) as an agricultural irrigation source is being considered with increasing interest, mainly in arid and semiarid zones. However, due to the complex nature of WW its reuse can have an impact on the fate of the pesticides added to the soils and crops for pest control. This review provides a detailed insight about the main processes involved in pesticide-soil-WW interactions (adsorption/desorption, degradation, transport, plant uptake and field assays) focusing on the role of dissolved organic matter and salt content in the mentioned processes. The influence of pesticide and soil properties in these processes is also discussed. The review explores current research gaps in the pesticide-soil-WW interactions and identifies areas that merit further research, providing a perspective for further scientific exploration.

Soil Behaviour of the Veterinary Drugs Lincomycin, Monensin, and Roxarsone and Their Toxicity on Environmental Organisms

Lincomycin, monensin, and roxarsone are commonly used veterinary drugs. This study investigated their behaviours in different soils and their toxic effects on environmental organisms. Sorption and mobility analyses were performed to detect the migration capacity of drugs in soils. Toxic effects were evaluated by inhibition or acute toxicity tests on six organism species: algae, plants, daphnia, fish, earthworms and quails. The log K_d values (Freundlich model) of drugs were: lincomycin in laterite soil was 1.82; monensin in laterite soil was 2.76; and roxarsone in black soil was 1.29. The R_f value of lincomycin, roxarsone, monensin were 0.4995, 0.4493 and 0.8348 in laterite soil, and 0.5258, 0.5835 and 0.8033 in black soil, respectively. The EC₅₀ for Scenedesmus obliquus, Arabidopsis thaliana, Daphnia magna and LC₅₀/LD₅₀ for Eisenia fetida, Danio rerio, and Coturnix coturnix were: 13.15 mg/L,32.18 mg/kg dry soil,292.6 mg/L,452.7 mg/L,5.74 g/kg dry soil and 103.9 mg/kg (roxarsone); 1.085 mg/L, 25 mg/kg dry soil, 21.1 mg/L, 4.76 mg/L, 0.346 g/kg dry soil and 672.8 mg/kg (monensin); 0.813 mg/L, 35.40 mg/kg dry soil, >400 mg/L, >2800 mg/L, >15 g/kg dry soil, >2000 mg/kg (lincomycin). These results showed that the environmental effects of veterinary drug residues should not be neglected, due to their mobility in environmental media and potential toxic effects on environmental organisms.

A new screening index for pesticides leachability to groundwater

Given the fact that pesticides exist in the aquatic environment at very low concentrations, it is clear that their analysis require expensive analytical techniques. Water authorities in Turkey are in need of assessing the likelihood of pesticide occurrence in groundwater in order to identify minimum number of pesticides that would be included in monitoring programs. To this purpose, the pesticides used in Turkey are ranked and those having higher leaching potentials are identified using pesticide screening leaching indexes. A total of 15 indexes (AF, AFR/AFT, Hamaker's RF, Briggs's RF, LPI, VI, LIX, GUS, Hornsby, LEACH, MLEACH, PLP, GWCP, LIN and GLI) was adopted and leaching potentials of 157 pesticides used in Turkey were estimated. Because each index is based on different pesticide/soil characteristics, each produced a different ranking. In order to emphasize variation in rankings and bring out a strong pattern, the statistical technique of Principal Component Analysis was used and a new composite index named as "YASGEP-P" was developed, the most relevant components (indices) were identified and the corresponding factor scores were calculated. This new index came out as a composite of GUS, LIX, MLEACH, LIN, Briggs's RF, Hamaker's RF, PLP and AFR indices. It was seen that all these indices except AFR are almost equally dominant and increase the value of YASGEP-P index, whereas AFR is also dominant but causes a decrease in YASGEP-P index value. The new index developed tends to discriminate between the relatively more soluble/less sorbable and more sorbable/less soluble pesticides. With the use of this composite index, the pesticides used in Turkey were sorted from the most leachable to least leachable and the priority pesticides to be monitored in the groundwaters were identified.

Preparation and Characterization of Butachlor/(2-Hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex: Improve Soil Mobility and Herbicidal Activity and Decrease Fish Toxicity

A water-soluble inclusion complex for butachlor was prepared by complexation with (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). Phase solubility results indicated a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio with an apparent stability constant of 864.3 M^-1 in the obtained solid complex. The formation of the complex was confirmed by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared, and differential scanning calorimetry spectra. Coupled with the molecular docking results, butachlor was considered to be completely included in HP-β-CD cavity. Butachlor complexation with HP-β-CD decreased its adsorption capacity and enhanced its mobility in soil. The inclusion complex displayed better herbicidal activities than free butachlor. The 96 h median lethal concentration values of the inclusion complex and free butachlor was 2.30 and 0.65 mg L^-1, respectively, for zebrafish, indicating that the complexation could significantly reduce toxicity to fishes. The present study provides an approach to develop environment-friendly formulations using CDs for herbicides.

Auxin Herbicides and Pesticide Mixtures in Groundwater of a Canadian Prairie Province

Groundwater samples were collected from piezometers and water table wells in both dryland and irrigated agricultural regions of Alberta, Canada, to examine the occurrence of pesticide mixtures. Fourteen current-use pesticides and two historical compounds were detected over a 3-yr sampling period. Pesticide mixtures were detected in ∼3% of the groundwater samples, and the frequency of detection increased from spring (1.5%) to summer (3.8%) and fall (4.8%). Pesticide mixtures always consisted of at least one of two auxin herbicides: 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA). 19% of all samples contained a single pesticide, with auxin herbicides 2,4-D (7.3%), MCPA (4.4%), and clopyralid (3.9%) being most prevalent. We detected 2,4-D predominantly in the fall (72% of 2,4-D detections) and less in spring and summer (28%). We detected MCPA mostly in summer (85% of MCPA detections) and less in spring and fall (15%). Clopyralid was more evenly detected across spring (30%), summer (25%), and fall (45%). Since the auxin herbicides above are typically applied in summer, results suggest that each herbicide may have different mobility and persistence characteristics in prairie soils. Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality have been set for a range of individual pesticides, but not for pesticide mixtures. If Canada is to establish such guidelines, this study demonstrates that auxin herbicides should be prioritized. In addition, only 7 of the 16 compounds detected in this study have established maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs), excluding clopyralid, which was detected in all three sampling years.

Effect of root exudates on sorption, desorption, and transport of phenanthrene in mangrove sediments

The effect of root exudates on the environmental behaviors of phenanthrene in mangrove sediments is poorly understood. In order to evaluate their influence, comprehensive laboratory experiments were performed using batch equilibrium and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analyses. In the presence of root exudates, sorption of phenanthrene was inhibited, whereas desorption and mobility were promoted, and were elevated as root exudate concentrations increased. Among the three representative low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) (citric, oxalic, and acetic acids), citric acid promoted desorption and mobility of phenanthrene more effectively than the other two. In addition, application of artificial root exudates (AREs) enhanced phenanthrene desorption, and mobility was always lower than that with the same concentration of LMWOAs, suggesting that LMWOAs predominantly affected the fate of phenanthrene in sediments. The results of this study could enhance our understanding of the mobility of persistent organic pollutants in sediment-water system.

Effect of Cosolvent (Acetone) on the Adsorption and Movement of Cypermethrin in Indian Soils

The adsorption and movement of cypermethrin in different types of uncontaminated soils in acetone-water mixtures at different fs values has been studied by batch shake and soil thin-layer chromatographic techniques, respectively. Higher adsorption and a reduced movement of cypermethrin was observed on silt clay loam soil followed by loam and sandy loam soils and was anticipated by the Freundlich adsorption constants Km and Rf values. The Km and Rf values also confirmed that the adsorption of cypermethrin decreased while its movement increased with increasing fs values. The values of the Freundlich constant Km were used to evaluate the cosolvent theory for describing the adsorption of cypermethrin in acetone–water mixtures. For each soil, the values of the adsorption coefficient Km decreased in a linear logarithmic fashion as fs increased, the slopes of the log Km versus fs plots being essentially the same for all soils. Thus, the cosolvent effects on adsorption could be expressed by a single parameter (σs) which combines the characteristics of the solvent (acetone) and the adsorbate (cypermethrin). For adsorbates with a low solubility in aqueous solutions, the adsorption data from mixed solvents was extrapolated to fs = 0 to estimate the values of the adsorption constant Kw in the aqueous phase.

Mobility Studies of (14)C-Chlorpyrifos in Malaysian Oil Palm Soils

The mobility of (14)C-chlorpyrifos using soil TLC was investigated in this study. It was found that chlorpyrifos was not mobile in clay, clay loam and peat soil. The mobility of (14)C-chlorpyrifos and non-labelled chlorpyrifos was also tested with silica gel TLC using three types of developing solvent hexane (100%), hexane:ethyl acetate (95:5, v/v); and hexane:ethyl acetate (98:2, v/v). The study showed that both the (14)C-labelled and non-labelled chlorpyrifos have the same Retardation Factor (Rf) for different developing solvent systems. From the soil column study on mobility of chlorpyrifos, it was observed that no chlorpyrifos residue was found below 5 cm depth in three types of soil at simulation rainfall of 20, 50 and 100 mm. Therefore, the soil column and TLC studies have shown similar findings in the mobility of chlorpyrifos.

Study on Soil Mobility of Two Neonicotinoid Insecticides

Movement of two neonicotinoid insecticide active ingredients, clothianidin (CLO) and thiamethoxam (TMX), was investigated in different soil types (sand, clay, or loam) and in pumice. Elution profiles were determined to explore differences in binding capacity. Soil characterized by high organic matter content retained the ingredients, whereas high clay content resulted in long release of compounds. Decrease in concentration was strongly influenced by soil types: both CLO and TMX were retained in loam and clay soils and showed ready elution through sandy soil and pumice. Elution capability of the active ingredients in sandy soil correlated with their water solubility, indicating approximately 30% higher rapidity for TMX than for CLO. Soil organic carbon-water partitioning coefficients (Koc) determined were in good agreement with literature values with somewhat lower value for CLO in sandy soil and substantially higher values for TMX in clay soil. High mobility of these neonicotinoid active ingredients in given soil types urges stronger precautionary approach taken during their application.

Methiozolin sorption and mobility in sand-based root zones

BACKGROUND

Methiozolin is a herbicide currently used for annual bluegrass control in golf course putting greens. Previous research indicates that maximum weed control efficacy requires root exposure; however, soil sorption and mobility of methiozolin have not been established. Research was conducted to investigate soil sorption and subsequent desorption by dilution of methiozolin, as well as soil mobility using batch equilibrium experiments and thin-layer chromatography in nine root zones. Evaluations focused on sand-based systems typical of many golf course putting greens.

RESULTS

Sorption coefficients (Kd values) ranged from 0.4 to 29.4 mL g(-1) and averaged 13.8 mL g(-1) . Sorption was most influenced by organic matter content; conversely, soil pH had a negligible effect. Methiozolin desorption did not occur with a 0.01 M CaCl2 dilution. Methiozolin mobility was low; retardation factors (Rf values) were <0.05 for all media with ≥0.3% organic matter. Sand (0.1% organic matter) resulted in an Rf value of 0.46.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 24% of applied methiozolin is available for root uptake, and mobility is limited, suggesting resistance to loss through leaching displacement.

A new surface plasmon resonance immunosensor for triazine pesticide determination in bovine milk: a comparison with conventional amperometric and screen-printed immunodevices

A detailed comparison was made of the analytical features of a new Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) immunodevice for triazine pesticide determination with those of two other amperometric (conventional and screen-printed) immunosensors and the advantages and disadvantages of the SPR method were thoroughly investigated. For conventional amperometric and screen-printed devices, "competitive" assays were used; conversely, the SPR transduction technique allowed a "direct" measurement format to be used. As far as the main analytical data are concerned, the SPR method does not seem to offer substantial advantages. Nevertheless the measurement time is much shorter and the measurement itself much easier to perform. Lastly several applications and recovery tests were carried out on bovine milk samples, before and after spiking, to check for triazine pesticides in the samples, obtaining satisfactory results.

Impact of coexistence of carbendazim, atrazine, and imidacloprid on their adsorption, desorption, and mobility in soil

The effect of coexisting pesticide on adsorption/desorption and mobility of another one was investigated with carbendazim (CBD), imidacloprid (IDP), and atrazine (ATR). The data indicated that adsorption of CBD, ATR, and IDP on the tested soil was fitted well by Freundlich equation and increased with an order of IDP < ATR ≪ CBD. Adsorption of a pesticide was decreased by the coexistence of another one through their competitive adsorption. The presence of coexisting solute of the more adsorbability played a more important role than that of the lesser adsorbability. The adsorption of IDP and ATR was easier to be affected by 28.9-52.0 % and 31.1-60.7 % with the addition of CBD, while that of CBD was much less influenced by 3.4-18.1 % and 6.9-31.8 % with the presence of ATR and IDP, respectively. An adsorbability-related enhancement in desorption of the three pesticides by the co-adsorbed solute was also observed. As a result of competitive adsorption/desorption, the mobility of the pesticides estimated from soil thin-layer chromatography was altered. The results clearly illustrated that adsorbability and concentration-related alteration in adsorption/desorption and mobility will be caused by the coexistence of pesticides.

Adsorption and desorption of chlorpyrifos to soils and sediments

Chlorpyrifos, one of the most widely used insecticides, has been detected in air, rain, marine sediments, surface waters, drinking water wells, and solid and liquid dietary samples collected from urban and rural areas. Its metabolite, TCP, has also been widely detected in urinary samples collected from people of various age groups. With a goal of elucidating the factors that control the environmental contamination, impact, persistence, and ecotoxicity of chlorpyrifos, we examine, in this review, the peer-reviewed literature relating to chlorpyrifos adsorption and desorption behavior in various solid-phase matrices. Adsorption tends to reduce chlorpyrifos mobility, but adsorption to erodible particulates, dissolved organic matter, or mobile inorganic colloids enhances its mobility. Adsorption to suspended sediments and particulates constitutes a major off-site migration route for chlorpyrifos to surface waters, wherein it poses a potential danger to aquatic organisms. Adsorption increases the persistence of chlorpyrifos in the environment by reducing its avail- ability to a wide range of dissipative and degradative forces, whereas the effect of adsorption on its ecotoxicity is dependent upon the route of exposure. Chlorpyrifos adsorbs to soils, aquatic sediments, organic matter, and clay minerals to differing degrees. Its adsorption strongly correlates with organic carbon con- tent of the soils and sediments. A comprehensive review of studies that relied on the batch equilibrium technique yields mean and median Kd values for chlorpyrifos of 271 and 116 L/kg for soils, and 385 and 403 L/kg for aquatic sediments. Chlorpyrifos adsorption coefficients spanned two orders of magnitude in soils. Normalizing the partition coefficient to organic content failed to substantially reduce variability to commonly acceptable level of variation. Mean and median values for chlorpyrifos partition coefficients normalized to organic carbon, K, were 8,163 and 7,227 L/kg for soils and 13,439 and 15,500 L/kg for sediipents. This variation may result from several factors, including various experimental artifacts, variation in quality of soil organic matter, and inconsistencies in experimental methodologies. Based on this review, there appears to be no definitive quantification of chlorpyrifos adsorption or desorption characteristics. Thus, it is difficult to predict its adsorptive behavior with certainty, without resorting to experimental methods specific to the soil or sediment of interest. This limitation should be recognized in the context of current efforts to predict the risk, fate, and transport of chlorpyrifos based upon published partition coefficients. Based on a comprehensive review of the peer-reviewed literature related to adsorption and desorption of chlorpyrifos, we propose the following key areas for future research. From this review, it becomes increasingly evident that pesticide partitioning cannot be fully accounted for by the fraction of soil or solid-matrix organic matter or carbon content. Therefore, research that probes the variation in the nature and quality of soil organic matter on pesticide adsorption is highly desirable. Pesticide persistence and bioavailability depend on insights into desorption capacity. Therefore, understanding the fate and environmental impact of hydrophobic pesticides is incomplete without new research being performed to improve insights into pesticide desorption from soils and sediments. There is also a need for greater attention and consistency in developing experimental methods aimed at estimating partition coefficients. Moreover, in such testing, choosing initial concentrations and liquid-solid ratios that are more representative of environmental conditions could improve usefulness and interpretation of data that are obtained. Future monitoring efforts should include the sampling and analysis of suspended particulates to account for suspended solid-phase CPF, a commonly underestimated fraction in surface water quality monitoring programs. Finally, management practices related to the reduction of off-site migration of CPF should be further evaluated, including alternative agricultural practices leading to reduction in soil erosion and structural best management practices, such as sedimentation ponds, treatment wetlands, and vegetated edge-of-field strips.

Effect of size-fractionation dissolved organic matter on the mobility of prometryne in soil

Import of organic materials in the form of compost, sludge or plant residues introduces large amounts of dissolved organic matter (DOM) into soils. DOM as a dynamic soil component affects the behaviors of organic pollutants. Different DOM constituents may affect herbicide action in a different way. However, the process of interaction between the distinct DOM-fractions and herbicides is largely unknown. In this study, DOM was separated by size-fractionation into three molecular size groups: MW<3500 Da, 3500 Da<MW<14000 Da, and MW>14000 Da. Effects of DOM-fractions on prometryne sorption/desorption and mobility were analyzed using approaches of batch experiments, soil column and soil thin-layer chromatography. Application of varied DOM-fractions at 50mg DOCL(-1) to the soil reduced the sorption and increased desorption of prometryne. DOM-fraction with MW>14000 Da appeared most effective in prometryne mobilization in the soil than any other fractions. Finally, DOM-fractions were characterized by chemical analyses, fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) fluorescence spectroscopy. Our studies revealed that the high-molecular weight fraction contained more aromatic framework and unsaturated structure that was most likely the dominant factor modulating the behavior of prometryne in soils.

Influence of organic acids on the transport of heavy metals in soil

Vegetation historically has been an important part of reclamation of sites contaminated with metals, whether the objective was to stabilize the metals or remove them through phytoremediation. Understanding the impact of organic acids typically found in the rhizosphere would contribute to our knowledge of the impact of plants in contaminated environments. Heavy metal transport in soils in the presence of simple organic acids was assessed in two laboratory studies. In the first study, thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to investigate Zn, Cd, and Pb movement in a sandy loam soil as affected by soluble organic acids in the rhizosphere. Many of these organic acids enhanced heavy metal movement. For organic acid concentrations of 10mM, citric acid had the highest R(f) values (frontal distance moved by metal divided by frontal distance moved by the solution) for Zn, followed by malic, tartaric, fumaric, and glutaric acids. Citric acid also has the highest R(f) value for Cd movement followed by fumaric acid. Citric acid and tartaric acid enhanced Pb transport to the greatest degree. For most organic acids studied, R(f) values followed the trend Zn>Cd>Pb. Citric acid (10mM) increased R(f) values of Zn and Cd by approximately three times relative to water. In the second study, small soil columns were used to test the impact of simple organic acids on Zn, Cd, and Pb leaching in soils. Citric acid greatly enhanced Zn and Cd movement in soils but had little influence on Pb movement. The Zn and Cd in the effluents from columns treated with 10mM citric acid attained influent metal concentrations by the end of the experiment, but effluent metal concentrations were much less than influent concentrations for citrate <10mM. Exchangeable Zn in the soil columns was about 40% of total Zn, and approximately 80% total Cd was in exchangeable form. Nearly all of the Pb retained by the soil columns was exchangeable.

Relationship between mobility factors (Rf) of two hydrophobic termiticides and selected field and artificial soil parameters

Mobility of two commonly used hydrophobic termiticides, chlorpyrifos and fenvalerate, was carried out by soil thin layer chromatograph using 3 field soils and 7 artificial soil as absorbent phases. Mobility factors (R(f)) were measured, and single- and multi-variable linear regression equations were then established. The result indicated that chlorpyrifos removed faster than fenvalerate in both field and artificial soils. In field soils negative correlation coefficients (r) was found between R(f) and organic matter (OM) content, pH, cationic exchange capacity (CEC), and clay content. It was noticeable, however, that correlation coefficient (r) derived from single-variable equations were not a reliable criterion for evaluation of relative importance of individual soil parameter in R(f) determination. One could see, in multi-variable regression, a functional superposition of OM and CEC in pesticide/soil interaction, and the influence of soil pH was overwhelmed by joint action of the other 3 parameters. R(f) of the two hydrophobic termiticides could therefore be predicted with adequate accuracy by either of the combinations of the two parameter: 1) OM content and clay content, 2) CEC and clay content. Introducing field soil properties into equations established from artificial soils one could see that the four-variable equations, which toke sphagnum as the only source of CEC, gave better prediction of field soil R(f). In spite of that these equations were different in two points with those from field soils: Firstly the parameter of soil pH could not be deprived, and secondly, R(f) of chlorpyrifos was positively correlated with the level of clay content.

Sorption, degradation and mobility of microcystins in Chinese agriculture soils: Risk assessment for groundwater protection

In the present paper, sorption, persistence, and leaching behavior of three microcystin variants in Chinese agriculture soils were examined. Based on this study, the values of capacity factor and slope for three MCs variants in three soils ranged from 0.69 to 6.00, and 1.01 to 1.54, respectively. The adsorption of MCs in the soils decreased in the following order: RR > Dha7 LR > LR. Furthermore, for each MC variant in the three soils, the adsorption rate in the soils decreased in the following order: soil A > soil C > soil B. The calculated half-time ranged between 7.9 and 17.8 days for MC-RR, 6.0-17.1 days for MC-LR, and 7.1-10.2 days for MC-Dha7 LR. Results from leaching experiments demonstrated that recoveries of toxins in leachates ranged from 0-16.7% for RR, 73.2-88.9% for LR, and 8.9-73.1% for Dha7 LR. The GUS value ranged from 1.48 to 2.06 for RR, 1.82-2.88 for LR, and 1.76-2.09 for Dha7 LR. Results demonstrated the use of cyanobacterial collections as plant fertilizer is likely to be unsafe in soils.

Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of picloram, dicamba, and floumeturon in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide

Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of three-selected herbicide derivatives: (1) picloram (4-Amino-3,5,6-trichloropyridine-2-carboxylic acid, (2) dicamba (2-Methoxy-3,6-dichlorobenzoic acid, and (3) floumeturon (N,N-Dimethyl-N-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-urea) has been investigated in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide under a variety of conditions. The degradation was studied by monitoring the change in substrate concentration employing UV spectroscopic technique and decrease in total organic carbon (TOC) content as a function of irradiation time under a variety of conditions. The degradation of the herbicide was studied under different conditions such as pH, catalyst concentration, substrate concentration, different types of TiO2, and in the presence of electron acceptors such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), potassium bromate (KBrO3), and ammonium persulphate (NH4)2S2O8 besides molecular oxygen. The degradation rates were found to be strongly influenced by all the above parameters. The photocatalyst Degussa P25 was found to be more efficient as compared with other photocatalysts in the case of dicamba (2) and floumeturon (3), whereas Hombikat UV100 was found to be better for the degradation of picloram (1). The herbicide picloram (1) was found to degrade faster as compared to dicamba (2) and floumeturon (3). The degradation products were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique, and plausible mechanisms for the formation of products have been proposed.

Quantum vs. topological descriptors in the development of molecular models of groundwater pollution by pesticides

Using monitoring observations from two, independent studies of US groundwater comprising a total of 61 pesticide compounds, this study has shown that those compounds found in groundwater can be distinguished from those that cannot be found in groundwater on the basis of semi-empirical, quantum chemical and empirical molecular descriptors. For the semi-empirical descriptors, logistic regression models have been developed and validated against the dataset based on the semi-empirical and quantum chemical descriptors. Logistic regression models, based on the Debye dipole moment (mu), the hydration energy (DeltaHhyd), and van der Waals volume (VvdW), resulted in a maximal explained variation in the data of 74%. When topological indices were also included the explained variance in data increased to 91%, with 86% of the variation being explained by the rule that a compound will be found in groundwater if: 0.28mu < 6chip(v) where 6chip(v) is the sixth-order molecular path connectivity and mu is the dipole moment of the compound. The significance of the dipole moment and hydration energy (or van der Waals volume) indicates that it is water solubility that controls mobility, with the inclusion of topological descriptors representing structural factors limiting the solubility. The dependence of leaching potential on the descriptors that control solubility indicates that predictions of environmental fate based on this approach may represent a strong alternative to the use of adsorption and degradation parameters.

Study of MCPA and MCPP herbicides mobility in soils from North-West Croatia as affected by presence of fertilizers

The mobility of acid herbicide (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid [MCPA] and 2-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)propionic acid [MCPA] in soils of North-West Croatia has been studied by soil thin-layer chromatography (STLC). Mobility of MPCA and MCPP was influenced by the change in concentration of soluble salts and the effect of mineral composition of the system studied, i.e. content of kaolin and sand in soil thin layer. The objective of this work was also to investigate how the mobility of phenoxy herbicides MCPA and MCPP is altered by the presence of fertilizers when both coexist in soil as a result of human activity. It has been found that mobility of acidic herbicides increases with application of fertilizers especially on soil with low clay and low organic matter content.

Variation of pesticide sorption isotherm in soil at the catchment scale

The variation of the sorption isotherm of pesticides has seldom been explored at the catchment scale. Such a study was conducted at the scale of a 187-ha agricultural catchment for three herbicides: atrazine, isoproturon and metamitron. Partition coefficient (Kd) values were measured in batch experiments on 51 topsoil samples, and showed moderate variability at the catchment scale (coefficient of variation CV approximately 30%). Values of Kd ranged from 0.47 to 1.70 litre kg(-1) for atrazine, 0.47 to 1.81 for isoproturon, and 0.55 to 2.21 for metamitron. A clustering method was used to reduce the number of samples on which to measure sorption isotherms to 14. Sorption isotherms agreed with the Freundlich rather than the linear model. Kf parameters had CV values similar to those for Kd, with values ranging from 0.78 to 2.13 mg(1 - Nf) litre(Nf) kg(-1) for atrazine, 0.61 to 1.82 for isoproturon, and 0.69 and 2.58 for metamitron. Nf exponents showed little variation (CV < 5%). Nf values were between 0.86 and 0.98 for atrazine, 0.85 and 0.90 for isoproturon, and 0.82 and 0.87 for metamitron. More than 97% of the Kf catchment-scale variations could be explained by the variations of the soil organic carbon content.

Pesticide soil sorption parameters: theory, measurement, uses, limitations and reliability

The soil sorption coefficient Kd and the soil organic carbon sorption coefficient KOC of pesticides are basic parameters used by environmental scientists and regulatory agencies worldwide in describing the environmental fate and behavior of pesticides. They are a measure of the strength of sorption of pesticides to soils and other geosorbent surfaces at the water/solid interface, and are thus directly related to both environmental mobility and persistence. KOC is regarded as a 'universal' parameter related to the hydrophobicity of the pesticide molecule, which applies to a given pesticide in all soils. This assumption is known to be inexact, but it is used in this way in modeling and estimating risk for pesticide leaching and runoff. In this report we examine the theory, uses, measurement or estimation, limitations and reliability of these parameters and provide some 'rules of thumb' for the use of these parameters in describing the behavior and fate of pesticides in the environment, especially in analysis by modeling.

A molecular topology approach to predicting pesticide pollution of groundwater

Various models have proposed methods for the discrimination of polluting and nonpolluting compounds on the basis of simple parameters, typically adsorption and degradation constants. However, such attempts are prone to site variability and measurement error to the extent that compounds cannot be reliably classified nor the chemistry of pollution extrapolated from them. Using observations of pesticide occurrence in U.S. groundwater it is possible to show that polluting from nonpolluting compounds can be distinguished purely on the basis of molecular topology. Topological parameters can be derived without measurement error or site-specific variability. A logistic regression model has been developed which explains 97% of the variation in the data, with 86% of the variation being explained by the rule that a compound will be found in groundwater if 6 chi Pv < 0.55. Where 6 chi p is the sixth-order molecular path connectivity. One group of compounds cannot be classified by this rule and prediction requires reference to higher order connectivity parameters. The use of molecular approaches for understanding pollution at the molecular level and their application to agrochemical development and risk assessment is discussed.